Coeur d'Alene Mission of the Sacred Heart

The Coeur d'Alene Mission of the Sacred Heart is a mission and school complex on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation with buildings spanning different construction periods. A two-story brick structure was added after 1877, followed later by a three-story main building constructed after 1900.

The mission was founded by Catholic missionaries to educate the Coeur d'Alene people and spread Christianity in the region. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, recognizing its historical importance to the state.

The mission grounds reflect how Jesuit missionaries and the Coeur d'Alene people met through education and community life, visible in the buildings and their daily use. You can feel how this place has been central to the tribal community for generations.

Plan your visit in advance since the grounds have set operating hours and guided tours are available to help you understand the site better. The visitor center offers exhibits and educational materials that provide context for the buildings and the mission's role.

The buildings were constructed using locally sourced materials, showcasing early missionary architecture techniques of the Pacific Northwest. Some of the structures rank among Idaho's oldest surviving buildings, offering a glimpse into construction methods of their era.

Location: Coeur d'Alene Reservation

GPS coordinates: 47.14610,-116.91400

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:01